Book binding options: Cover flaps

Posted 21st September 2018

When it comes to designing the cover of a paperback, there are a several options worth considering. Adding internal flaps to the cover of your publication can be a great way to improve the look and handling of your book and help to give it a high-end and professional finish.

What are cover flaps?

Also known as gatefold covers, or French flaps, these types of covers are designed with a section that folds in on itself. A cover can have one or two flaps in various widths, depending on their purpose.

The benefits of including cover flaps

Cover flaps have several aesthetic and practical benefits, such as making the cover stronger. If your book is going to be handled by a lot of people, this can be a great way to improve durability and ensure your book is more resistant to wear and tear. Unlike the solid cover of a hardback book, a cover with French flaps will be lighter and more flexible.

Probably the most useful feature of a cover flap is that it can be used for additional information. Just like a dust jacket on a hardback book, the cover flap on a paperback is an ideal place to print a profile of the author or a summary of the book’s contents. The flap on the inside back cover can also be used for additional information, such as listing other publications that the author has produced.

Choosing a size for your flaps

A popular choice is to use a narrow strip on the inside front and back covers. However, a wider flap can give the cover greater strength and offers a larger area for printing.

Production costs

Due to the additional preparation work needed, the time required to produce a book with flaps will be higher. With a traditional paperback the cover and the block (inner pages) are trimmed at the same time. When a cover has one or more flaps the block will need partially trimming before the cover is attached, which can increase the cost of printing. For a comparative price speak to one of our sales team.

To find out more about the options available for paperback and hardcase books, get in touch with a member of our sales team on 0845 340 5660.